SEFFNER, Fla. - This is a special time for Ryne Giddins. He's one of the most sought-after defensive end prospects in the nation and he plays on one of the top high school teams in the country. Giddins was announced to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Thursday.

"This is a dream come true," Giddins said. "I have wanted to play in this game for a few years now. I am blessed. God put it in my hands. This game means a lot to me and it's just a great feeling."

Giddins, a member of the Rivals100, is the No. 4-ranked weakside defensive end prospect in the nation. Aside from being an outstanding defensive lineman, Giddins is a good role model as well as a model teammate.

"Ryne embodies what the U.S. Army All-American Bowl wants in their players," Armwood head coach Sean Callahan said to the packed crowd in the auditorium. "He has great character and is a great reflection of this school. Ryne does everything the proper way and he's humble. We are so proud to have him here (at Armwood)."

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Giddins' Armwood team is currently 8-0 and ranked No. 3 in the RivalsHigh100. He is one of the leaders of a very stingy defense. As a unit they have only allowed 16 points this season in eight games. That's about as good as it gets and one of the main cogs in this unit is Giddins.

"This is the best defense ever here at Armwood," Giddins said. "The main thing is everyone is playing their role and doing their assignments. No one is playing for themselves. We are playing as a team and we are playing very well."

Giddins is considering South Florida, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, USC and LSU. He has already taken an official visit to Chapel Hill and he's looking to take a few more before making his decision during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

"I had a real good time at North Carolina and I really liked what I saw. The best part was getting to know the coaches and they have great NFL experience. I am going to try and visit USC during our bye week that's coming up. I also want to take an official visit to South Florida. I know it's close to home but I want to see what it's like."

This is the third consecutive year Armwood has a member of their defensive line selected to play in this game. Two years ago defensive tackle Torrey Davis was named to this game while last year defensive end Matt Patchan was a U.S. Army All-American. They are the only school to have a player in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl for three straight games. Callahan will also serve as an assistant coach for this game.

This will be the ninth U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 3rd in San Antonio, Texas. It's a noon (central) kickoff on NBC.